The weather outside is cold, dark, raining and pretty much chills you to the bone when it comes down to it and in all honesty that is the perfect setting on the 20th Anniversary of King Diamond’s concept album “The Graveyard”. This would be the first ever album by the King on the Massacre Records label and since I’ve already reviewed its remastered edition back when that came out in 2009, I will defer you to my thoughts on THIS LINK. Please check that out along with the Official Album Wiki entry at the close of these thoughts. I remembered liking it, but for me the best King Diamond stuff was his earliest efforts and I guess I feel that way since that was the music that found me getting interested in his brand of Macabre Metal in the first place. Take a few moments to review the tracks down below so you can recall your favorites if you had any on the album.
Track Listing:
1. Graveyard
2. Black Hill Sanitarium
3. Waiting
4. Heads On The Wall
5. Whispers
6. I’m Not A Stranger
7. Digging Graves
8. Meet Me At Midnight
9. Sleep Tight Little Baby
10. Daddy
11. Trick Or Treat
12. Up From The Grave
13. I Am
14. Lucy Forever
Continue reading King Diamond’s “The Graveyard” Spends 20 Years In The Cold Damp Earth (1996-2016) →
Artist: Edenbridge
Title: “Shine”
Label: Massacre Records
Release Date: 10/26/2004
Genre: Melodic Power
Rating: 7.5/10
Edenbridge is described as “Angelic Bombast” Metal” and on first listen this German group certainly shows that they offer a level of difference in the Power Metal genre. With “Shine” the musical delivery is wide and the texture of sounds an open field to play on. Fronted by the stunning Sabine Edelsbacher, the band shows that Germany is not to fall short in the current market of such Female fronted bands from the Scandinavian Countries. While some might form associations between Sabine and Tarja (Nightwish), the both are completely different. Tarja leans towards Opera in her style and Sabine instead is easier and softer melodic singing. There are no yells and arias but that does not take away from her vocal prowess in the least. Sabine truly has a beautiful voice and it is very well showcased on this CD. I think that this difference will allow the fans of one band to quickly find something they like in the other. Overall this CD is a great listen and this was my first real chance to sit with full piece by them. It begins with “Shine” which while an interesting track could have been the second tune. I felt using “Move Along Home” would have been better as the starter. It quickly brings you into the band sound with its fast guitar work and drumming patterns.
Continue reading “Shine” by Edenbridge →
Artist: Michael Schenker Group
Venue: Mulcahy’s LI-NY
Opener:
Label: Massacre Records:
Date: 12-13-2003
There is probably no argument among music fans about Micheal Schenker being one the true Rock Guitar Gods of our time. His accomplishments on the guitar are legend due to his many successful recordings with The Scorpions, UFO and finally as a solo artist with The Michael Schenker Group. Recently, Michael took MSG and some of his best material back on the road for a few shows in my vicinity. Added to the luck would be my chance to see Stu Hamm playing the bass (since he is one of the greatest bassists ever). However, upon arrival I was told that this was not to be the case as Stu only records with Mike and does not tour. The members of the MSG that night were Chris Logan: Vocals, Rev Jones: Bass, Pete Holmes: drums and Wayne Findley: keyboards & guitar. I was never able to see Mike in years past so I was glad to get the chance and to bring the report to you all.
Continue reading Michael Schenker Group @ Mulcahy’s (12/13/2003) →
Where Heavy Music & Pop Culture Collide